I Kings

 

2

 

v. 25 “death for deceit”

            While it my seem an innocent request for Adonijah to marry Abishag Solomon did not think so and as a result ordered the death of Adonijah.  Surely death was far too severe for such an innocent request? 

            The request may not have been so innocent, however, as it is likely that Adonijah was attempting to regain the throne he had lost.  By marrying David’s concubine it would increase his claim on the throne (II Samuel 3:7; 12:8; 16:21).  It is also likely from v. 22 (also vs. 26-28) that Joab and Abiathar were involved with Adonijah in some sort of plot to take over the throne therefore giving Solomon right to defend his throne.  Also bear in mind that Adonijah was only given his pardon conditioning his worthy behavior (I Kings 1:52). 

           

v. 28 “horns of the altar”

            Also seen in I Kings 1:50 the horns of the alter were seen as a place of refuge and sanctuary (Exodus 21:14).  While this seemed to have worked for Adonijah, Joab was given no mercy and died at the altar.          "The holiness of any place should never countenance the wickedness of any person."

 

8

 

v. 9 “something missing?”

            Two questions.  Firstly, did this mean that the manna and Aaron’s rod had rotted or was this just the wording of Scripture?  Secondly, if it were the stone tablets that remained how did the author know this without someone looking inside?

            Some think the manna and the rod were by the ark and not in it. Others that now these symbols were no longer needed now that their wilderness wanderings were over (though of course the 10 commandments were still in force). This was the last time it was carried before being laid to rest and reestablished in the temple.

 

v. 29 “traditions”

            While Solomon was the first to commence the practice of praying towards Jerusalem where God dwelled, the tradition is still carried out today by many Jews.

            This is interesting - praying towards the temple, which typifies Christ, the true temple (as He said Himself of His body).  In relation to this remember Christ is the mediator between God and man and certainly that applies to our intercessions as well.

 

v. 46 “sin”

            Enough said?    He knows the inherent nature of man, our depraved state.

 

13

 

vs. 15-24 “who to trust?”

            This is an interesting account of a prophet who resisted the wiles of Jeroboam, but was seduced into taking up the invitation of the old prophet.  It is doubtful that the old prophet intentionally lied, as he was probably curious to hear what had been told.  There is no question that God used the old prophet as seen in v. 21 but essentially what the old man had done was to not only lie, but contradict God and make Him a liar.  The cost of this decision was not death, as death happens to all, but burial in a tomb not his family’s.  While we can often resist temptation from those we expect it from, sometimes it’s not as easy coming from those that possibly unwittingly offer the temptation and from whom we don’t expect it.

            Others inclusive of Matthew Henry think the old prophet was a false one and lie intentionally he certainly did.  If he had been a good prophet why was he not denouncing the wickedness of the King?  Then he goes on to point out that in wrath there is mercy in God sparing his body for burial, it was preserved and not torn to shreds, "The flesh is destroyed so the spirit is preserved."

            The point is the true prophet should have consulted with God and not man.  His commission came from God and we need to follow through with obedience to His Word over the word of men!

 

 17

 

v. 6 “necessity before the Law”

            While God had decreed that ravens were unclean, it’s worth noting that firstly, God gave special dispensation to Elijah and secondly, they were unclean for eating but not touching therefore Elijah wasn’t breaking the Law.

            God was using an unclean bird; indeed he used lots of unclean and wicked people too (Pharaoh for one).  In fact this was rather unique as had he used men they could have betrayed the place where Elijah was to be found and had it been a dog people could have followed it, but who would look twice at ravens in the air with bits of food in their beaks. God has so many ways of providing for His people and it gives encouragement for our needs.  God also delights in using the extraordinary, the weak and foolish things of this world as in the next illustration below….

 

v. 9 “a lesson from history”

            As shown in the commentary on Matthew, God did not suddenly command the disciples to go forth to every nation as a sudden inspiration, but as a continual progression of His plan.  This passage is used by Jesus in Luke 4:25-26 to show that God was reaching out to the Gentiles at this early stage in history and that there were Gentiles with enough faith to trust their lives to a prophet of God.

            Once again God using a very different means of provision in addition to yet another weak and foolish medium in the eyes of the world, not to mention the desperate and dire circumstances in which she was living.

            There were also many reasons for this choice, for one it was in the territory of the enemy itself so the last place they would look.  Another is that shows the impotency of Baal since this is where he was worshipped.  Then the name of the place = refining.  God is in the process of refining His servant, teaching him many things and preparing him for even greater service to come.  This was a huge test of Elijah's faith.  First to go and live in a solitary place to be fed by wild animals and then to cross a desert of 75 miles in the time of drought where he was to be fed by a widow.  All most unlikely, but God specializes in the impossible situations!

            Yes indeed, the Gentile nation were to witness the life of God in their midst through Elijah and indeed many times in the O.T. this happened that other nations saw the witness of the One True Living God.

 

18

vs. 1-16 “Obadiah”

            Here is an example of a man who lived in a wealth of sin and corruption and yet was not overcome by it and continued to serve God.  While there is often the question today as to whether Christians can become politicians or anyone of prominence, Obadiah shows that it is possible and that a prominent position can be used greatly for God.

            This is true indeed and it is interesting that there was no compromise.  When he went out with Ahab all the King was interested in was grass for his animals, the physical and fleshly desires and needs.  However as he went one way Obadiah went another, and of course in doing so met up with Elijah.

 

v. 22 “soul survivor?”

            After reading the first part of this chapter Elijah’s statement seems to contradict the feat by Obadiah, but it is thought that this verse is relating to the situation that Elijah was in that being the only prophet directly against the 450 prophets of Baal.

            The verse in context makes it plain that he was only 1 against the 450 there.  We know there were crowds of people, how many is not stated (who when they saw the fire worshipped and declared God, albeit superficially).  In all those crowds who did turn out for the occasion though only Elijah stood for Jehovah. How many sit on the fence until they see the results.  Even then, as said, it can be lip service and for how long?

 

v. 46 “running before the rain”

            It’s worth noting that although Elijah warned Ahab to return to Jezreel prior to the rain falling, Ahab waited until it began to rain (v. 46).  This feat of Elijah’s, therefore, displayed to Ahab the power and might of God that a man could outrun a horse and chariot.  He would never have seen this display of God’s might if he had left when Elijah told him to.

            The KJV does not suggest this. Elijah told Ahab to go on and eat and drink for he knew the man, what was in him and what occupied his time, thoughts and passions. Is says that Ahab rode before Elijah girded up his loins and ran before him. If Ahab had anything about him he would have told Elijah to get in his chariot and ride with him.

 

 

22

 

vs. 14-16 “an underlying personality”

            It seems that Miciah was somewhat sarcastic in his response, imitating the false prophets as he not only copies their speech, but Ahab is aware of his false declaration.  For other ironical passages see Judges 10:14, I Kings 18:27 and Ezekiel 20:39.

            We can read the words, but we do not hear how they were presented to the King.  It seems he spoke with derision, as Ahab knew this was not the real prophecy from God.  However, he was just as Balaam, refusing to listen and bent on doing his own thing.